Friday, 29 June 2018

Deep Fear - DI Kelly Porter #2 by Rachel Lynch - having loved the first DI Kelly Porter book I was very excited when I spotted book #2 on Amazon. DI Kelly Porter and the team are on the hunt for a serial killer who leaves similar typed prose scripts on their bodies and leaves them in specific areas of the Lake District. The race is on to find out why and who is behind the killings. I didn't for one moment see it coming! The story is fast paced and twisty and I loved it! I also liked how the characters are developing. Roll on book #3.

Her Mother's Secret by Rosanna Ley** - I took part in the Blog Tour for this amazing read. See my review HERE.

Anna by Niccolo Ammaniti - Anna and her brother have been living alone in the family home for four years since the virus killed her mother and all other adults. Her mother had the foresight to write instructions for them when she was no longer there to care for them. The electricity fails and food and water are now scarce. Anna keeps Astor safe from the outside and goes on scavenging trips alone often dodging packs of dogs and children. Astor disappears and she goes to search for him meeting a boy of similar age to her on the way who becomes her friend. Astor and Anna journey to the mainland to find an adult. The ending is rather sudden and I found I was left wondering.

Watching You by Lisa Jewell* - this amazing roller-coaster of a read isn't out until July so I'll share my review in my July round-up.

Tubing by K A McKeagney* - Tubing is a fabulous twisty read which I loved (and is one of my favourite reads this year). Polly lives in London with her boyfriend Oliver who is a nice guy and he seems to love her. He's never spontaneous however. She works in a dead-end job on a free London newspaper and finds her life dull. She's been out for drinks with Oliver's bossy sister Charlotte and while slightly drunk on the tube meets a random stranger. The chemistry is instant and they passionately kiss which leads to other things. Nobody seems to notice on the packed tube and at the next station he disappears. Polly is left in shock but has the desire to see him again. She searches obsessively online for him and discovers what she's done is called tubing - silent sexual meetings with strangers...It's an absolutely thrilling read and OMG that ending! I loved it.

Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor - Rebecca, a tourist on holiday with her parents goes missing after walking in the hills. Everyone in the village turns out to help the search party. But life goes on and we see the seasons for the next 13 years in the aftermath of her disappearance. The narrative is exquisite and I was totally drawn into the lives and loves, deaths, secrets and friendships of the villagers. Highly recommend.

Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead - Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia. She's an outcast, is coming into womanhood and her life's going to get harder. She's caught the eye of the owner's son a cruel and unforgiving man so when fellow slave Caesar tells her about the Underground Railroad they decide to escape.Things don't go to plan and they are hunted. The journey isn't easy but they are helped by the engineers and conductors who operate the secret network of tracks to help slaves on the run. They arrive in South Carolina, a seemingly haven and decide to stay. However, Ridgeway, the slave catcher is on their heels and is desperate to capture Cora after her mother evaded him years before. A chilling but compelling read.

the map of us by Jules Preston* - Such a quirky read with endearing characters. It follows the North family and in particular Violet who was abandoned by her immediate family for being a cripple. She lives in a beautiful house with a rambling garden and is a bestselling novelist. She met her husband when he arrived at her door looking for work with his dog "dog". Tilly, her granddaughter is a statistician and compiles a compatibility test about her soon to be ex-husband. There are a whole cast of eccentric characters including her sister who collects designer handbags but never uses them (they have their own room in her house). Her brother is the world expert....on the colour blue! A great read which I really enjoyed.

Don't Look for Me by Mason Cross - this is my first Mason Cross Book (and the fourth in the series). I met him last year at a book event where he read a section of this book and I had to buy it! Carter Blake hasn't looked for his ex Carol in 6 years since she left him a note saying "don't look for me". Her neighbour and friend, Sarah and ex-crime desk journalist and now author wonders why they've vanished so suddenly. She sees men enter their house and remove a laptop and other things and calls the cops who don't seem bothered. She's the inquisitive type so goes to check out their home and finds a notebook with an emergency email address. Carter Blake meets up with Sarah and she shows him a photo of her and the couple at a neighbourhood BBQ. Despite the hair colour change he knows it's Carol and she's likely in danger and they set off together to look for her.Trenton Gage, a hitman has been employed to track down the Freels as they have something the three men want. He'll stop at nothing to reach his goal. A fast paced and twisty read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Quaker by Liam McIlvanney* - the story is set in Glasgow in 1969 and is loosely based on true life killer Bible John. The Quaker is a bible quoting killer who seems the perfect gentleman, courteous and polite. Three women are raped, beaten and murdered close to home after a night out at the Barrowlands Ballroom.The police seem unable to catch him and the city is gripped by fear. DI Duncan McCormack, a leading light is drated in to close the case and write a report. There is a fourth murder which is similar and the police wonder if a copycat killer is at large.Alex Paton, a peterman originally from the city but now based in London arrives to take part in an auction house heist. He's set up to lie low in an abandoned slum flat which will be torn down in a few weeks as part of the city regeneration. He seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as the police want to nail him as The Quaker.McCormack is a brilliant and tenacious character, who I'm looking forward to meeting again in book #2. He's willing to risk all at great personal cost to see all those guilty sent to prison. A great read. Would recommend.

*sent to me by the publisher via Netgalley**sent to me by the publisher

Thursday, 28 June 2018

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil Free Moisture Cushion 15ml which was a sea scented light gel cream and seemed perfect for my combination skin. Very nice. Would maybe buy.Organic Trevarno Lavender & Geranium Cleansing Oil 5ml which was lovely to use. I'll definitely buy full size when my stash reduces a bit. Bodhi & Birch Lemon Water Hydrosol 15ml*I was part of the focus group for the new #SuperfoodsSeries and totally fell for this beauty. See my review HERE. I've just opened a full size I was gifted for taking part in the group. Totally lush. Enchanted Plants Blossom Hydrating Facial Mist 100ml which I totally fell head over heels for. See my review HERE. Will definitely buy again.001 Pure Lavender Hydrosol Toner 100ml* which was lovely to use. See my review HERE.

Geo Mitchell Relax Bath Salts (one use sample)* these were lovely and I'd consider buying full size. They featured in my recent Shopping my Stash post.Alteya Organics Bio Damascena Ageless Rose Otto Eye Cream sachet** which gave several uses (I'd reckon they'd be enough in this sachet for a week's holiday). Really lovely. Full size is on the wishlist!Luxe Botanics CAMU Brightening Cleanser 4ml a lovely citrus scented milky cleanser which made short work of make up and daily grime. I only got 2 uses out of this sachet but fell in love. Would buy.Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g these are my favourite bath salts. See my review HERE. They also featured in Beauty Balm Curates...with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box in May - see HERE.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Wash 20ml* in one of my favourite Weleda scents. See my review HERE. Sure to pick this up again at some point.Beatitude Joy Bath Oil sample Joy is my favourite scent by Beatitude. See my review HERE. Will definitely pick it up again!

Isla Apothecary Neroli Body Oil 15ml this award-winning blend is one of my absolute favourite body products. See my review HERE. It also featured in May's Skin Organics Clean Beauty BoxBeauty Balm Curates...see HERE. I just opened up a new mini and will buy full size again. Just love.

Anita Grant Nerolage Body Oil 15ml which is absolutely heavenly. I adore anything neroli and this is a real treat for the body and mind. Full size is very firmly on the wishlist.

Only & Eve Naples Grove Reed Diffuser* I absolutely loved this diffuser which I started using in December and only finished this month. See my review HERE. So impressed with how long it lasts making it excellent value. Will buy at some point either this one or another scent.Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Wash 500ml which I received from my friend Julie as a gift (at Christmas). Totally lush scent - rose petals, black pepper and cardamon. Loved the pump action bottle - great for beside the shower. Would buy again.What have you been using up this month?*complimentary**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

I've got a fantastic giveaway for one of my readers. You can win 2 bars of soap from Soap Folk* in Juniper Berry and Lemon & Bergamot (these are worth £5.95 each). The soaps are Soil Association Organic Certified and COSMOS Certified. You can see my review HERE.

All you need to do is follow the Rafflecopter and the giveaway is open worldwide Good luck!

The Rafflecopter widget collects your email address (so I can contact you if you are the winner) See my Privacy Policy in the sidebar for more details. Thanks to Soap Folk for providing the soaps for the giveaway.

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

I've been testing out East Lothian based Miel Botanicals wonderful Prosecco Shave Soap with Vegan brush* which is absolutely fantastic. It helps to give the perfect shave and I'd never go back to shaving foam - a review is forthcoming!

I totally fell for new niche perfume brand Rook Perfumes in June. See my review HERE. The signature perfume Rook by Rook EdP (£79.50 - 50ml) is now available to buy. This was a private blend they kept for themselves until now! (A 2ml sample is also available at £3.50). It contains 25 ingredients and has top notes of Ginger, Cardamon, Ylang Ylang, Incense and Smoke, a heart of Tobacco, Violet, Guaiac wood and Agarwood with base notes of Vetiver, Castoreum, Ambergris, Musk Mallow and Civet. I'm looking forward to smelling this one!

We dined at One Square at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa last week and the A Taste of Scotland 5 Course Tasting Menu with matching Scottish Beers and Spirits was incredible. See my reviewHERE.

I missed the recent blogger event atJan de Vries Queensferry Street but I was very kindly kept a goody bag. Thanks also to Lizzie for showing me round the store - it's fabulous - there are a lot of make up and skincare brands you only ever see online as well as supplements, teas and foods. It's well worth a visit if you are in Edinburgh. I'll be doing reviews of some of the products (the matcha drink and protein bars have been eaten and were delicious!)

I totally fell for Tropic Skincare'snew haircare range*. See my thoughts HERE. Full sizes will be bought of the Nourishing Hair Cleanser and Hair Feast.

Monday, 25 June 2018

On Friday night we went to The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh for their A Taste of Scotland- 5 courses matched with Scottish Beers and Spirits. The menu is seasonal, costs £65 per person and is available Thursday-Saturday, between 6-9pm.

We started with drinks in the airy hotel bar - mine's the negroni! Hubby chose The Mermaid's Tail, which is made with Gin Mare, homemade Mediterranean vermouth, sea salt and olives, stirred and served straight up. Both were delicious.

Our first course paired with Gunner Blonde Ale from Campbell's Brewery in Peebles was Brown Crab, Braeburn Apple and Mooli Salad which was deliciously fresh tasting and summery. The crabs served are from Orkney and are caught by lowering baited crab pots into the sea which allows undersized crabs and smaller females with eggs to be returned to the sea. The crab was complimented by sweet apples and crisp and fresh mooli.

The second course was Roasted scallop, sweet cicely, carrot puree and puffed oatswhich was served with a delicious One Square Gin & Fever Tree Tonic (Pickerings) which we found to be the perfect match. This dish was delicious. The scallop was meaty and flavoursome and the sweet carrot puree was the perfect accompaniment. The dish is finished with samphire and a squid ink tulle. The scallops are hand dived again from Orkney as they are cleaner and free from sand and grit and are better for the environment too.

Moving onto course number 3, this is the main dish Textures of Scottish lamb, hazelnuts and capers which was truly mouthwatering and cooked to perfection. It was paired with melt in the mouth sweetbreads and potato. We didn't think the drink pairing was exactly spot on (I think I'd have preferred a glass of red with this rather than beer). It was paired with Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Finish Ale from Edinburgh. The lamb the kitchen use is bred on farms in the Scottish highlands.

We both loved the cheese course - so clever - it was served in a cocktail glass and looked like a pudding! Strathdon Blue Trifle, walnut biscuit and Lochnagar grape chutney which was served with Springbank 15yo from Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown. This matched really well (that pear crisp was perfection!)

Our final course was Bruce Farm's Scottish Strawberry Jelly with Vanilla Parfait which was paired with a yummy cocktail - One Square 76 a delicious blend of Verdant Dry Gin, Strawberry syrup, Elderflower syrup, lemon juice and Prosecco. The dessert was delicious and oh so pretty but melted really quickly.

Overall, we were really impressed with the food and friendly service and will definitely return when the menu changes as it's great value and a fab night out!

Sunday, 24 June 2018

Ere Perez Cacao Lip Colour in Play which is a peachy-pink guava coloured vegan lip butter which nourishes while leaving the lips with a pop of colour. This is gorgeous and I want to try more from the range. Pick yours up atLove Lula.

Daisy & Mallow'sJasmine & Vanilla Lip Balm nourishes dry lips and cuticles and has a pretty floral scent. This came in the Time to Sparkle Letterbox Luxuries box hubby got me for my birthday.

From Palm & Soul I've been trying amazing Your Beauty Serum Cocktail* - I chose the ingredients and founder, Kathy mixed them up. I'll be reviewing this very shortly. I chose neroli and orange peel essential oils and this serum smells incredible. It's really lovely to use and can be used on the body as well as the face. It's one of the nicest products I've ever used.

Beauty Shortlist winner Jo Browne's Facial Cleansing Balm* is truly wonderful. I love everything about it (including that fabulous packaging). See my thoughts HERE. I'm very nearly finished this pot but it will be replenished when my stash reduces a bit. I just love it.

My final reach for is Zing Organics Ah There! Calming Body Oil* which soothes and relaxes the body and mind. See my review HERE.

Saturday, 23 June 2018

I'm a huge fan of REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Range - see my reviews HERE and HERE and HERE. I was never really a fan of their Neroli & Grapefruit range (surprisingly!) so was excited to see they'd launched a new range - Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium. My friend Julie gifted me the bath oil in the same range and I love it!

Their Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash (300ml - £22)* is an uplifting, reviving and refreshing treat. The wash is sulphate free and is formulated with Atlantic Kelp extract and energising Magnesium PCA. The formulation is enhanced with REN's Anti-Fatigue Essential Oil blend which will awaken and refresh sluggish skin as well as awaken your senses.

To use: massage a generous amount over wet skin before rinsing.

I like to use this in my morning shower to help awaken, refresh and boost both the skin and senses.

What's your favourite REN Clean Skincare product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My post contains one affiliate link.

Friday, 22 June 2018

After collaborating with Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box last month for Beauty Balm Curates... see my review HERE (as you'll know I was over the moon and then some to be asked) but I was excited as ever to see what the next month would hold..

June's theme is Hydrate and inside the box are 6 items (and four new to me brands). This is what beauty boxes should be about!

And for a closer look..

The Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box retails at £21 plus (£3.95 p&p) a month. Sign up HERE. Some of the brands also offer discount codes which is a nice extra touch for subscribers to enjoy.

Totally new to me brand is Bowe Organics Lash Oil (£19.99 - 10ml) which helps to promote healthy and hydrated lashes. I love the stylish packaging and I'm looking forward to testing it out. It's also a Free From Skincare Awards Shortlisted Product 2018. As ever, a review will follow.

I'm currently testing and trying Sofia Latif Face Oil (£20 - 10ml) which is truly exquisite (Sofia used to be a blogger who has now formulated and created her own product and brand which is truly awe inspiring). The blend gorgeous and scented with uplifting jasmine and repairing Bulgarian rose. A full review is forthcoming. The Face Oil also is a Free From Skincare Awards Shortlisted Product 2018.

And another new to me brand is Cosy Cottage Soap Company. Inside is their Mango Butter & Lemon Foot Balm which is suitable for Vegans (£5 - 30ml) which deeply nourishes the feet and legs. It has a slightly grainy texture which melts on contact with warm skin leaving it lemon scented.

The final item this month is from Lucidlure, Allava Hair Mask (£5.50 - 30g), a brand which has been on my to try list after Ana, at Ana Goes Green mentioned it to me. It sounds a really intensive treat for the hair and perfect for summer holidays. Again, a full review will follow.

Thursday, 21 June 2018

I've had the real pleasure of trying Lucy's latest launch over at OV Naturals - a gorgeous EdT called Golden. Prices start at £4.99 for a 2ml sample vial* (as above), an unboxed 15ml bottle is £32, and with a ribbon tie gift box £35.

The perfume took 3 years to create and contains 19 exotic essential oils, absolutes and isolates and is formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients including natural aromatics over half of which are wild/certified organic. The perfume is handcrafted in small batches by Lucy, founder of OV Naturals and an Aromatherapist for the past decade.

With top notes of Pink Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Italian Bergamot and Damask Rose Otto, a heart of Neroli, Tuberose, Rose Absolute and Magnolia Leaf with base notes of Frankincense and Ambrette Seed.

It's truly a stunning creation and contains a lot of notes I love. It's a very feminine scent with citrus, deep florals and spice notes and is very special indeed. Pick yours up HERE.

Wednesday, 20 June 2018

This is now my fourth month of the Sisley Beauty Subscription (I signed up for 6 months, £35 including p&p). This month the theme is Caribbean Escape. Every month you get a branded zipped bag (which is great to use for samples/weekends away) and the samples are packaged in a letterbox friendly black box.

So what's inside..

Mattifying Moisturizing Skincare with Tropical Resins 10ml - which is great for combination/oily skins. It will hydrate, balance, mattify and purify the skin. Looking forward to trying this out.All Day All Year Essential Anti-Ageing Day Care 10ml - is a daytime anti-ageing treatment which protects the skin for external aggressors, free radicals and oxidative stress. Skin is hydrated, lines and wrinkles reduced and the complexion is more luminous.

Supremya At Night 5ml - which is a totally luxurious night time treat which regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Totally gorgeous! A real treat to try as full size 50ml retails at £475!!

Phyto-Touche Sun Glow Gel (Mat) 1.5ml - a matte tinted gel which gives the skin a natural even glow. Can be used all over the face or just on the cheekbones..

Eau Tropicale Moisturizing Perfumed Body Lotion 8ml - a creamy milk which hydrates and nourishes the skin. Hibiscus and Jioh extracts leave the skin feeling soft and supple. Skin is left scented with the floral and exotic notes of l'Eau Tropicale.Next month the theme is On the Hot Sand.

Coming into February (link) my favourite product was Ooh! Oils of Heaven Avocado Hydrating Face Oil* - I'm a huge, huge fan of this good quality and excellent value range - see my Spotlight HERE (there have been new ones added since I wrote this post). The Avocado oil does have an acquired scent - it's very green and earthy! The oil deeply nourishes and protects the skin.

Monday, 18 June 2018

I've been trying Award Winning Botanico Vida Omega Oil (50ml - £11.50)* and I can really say it's fantastic! The brand was founded by Kirsty Cimesa of Elemental Herbology and her friend Hannah Becker.

The blend is 100% natural and a mixture of oils rich in Omegas 3, 6 and 9. Formulated with Sacha Inchi Seed Oil which is a plant sourced Omega Oil and is obtained from an Omega Project in Peru which helps support 8,000 jobs and contributes to the reforestation of up to 20k hectares of land. The formula also includes Rosehip, Argan, Avocado, Olive, Sunflower, Coconut and Calendula oils and scented with Mandarin and Grapefruit essential oils.

It's perfect for all members of the family and great to use on your bump if pregnant. To use: massage onto the face and body, especially on any dry patches. You'll find it absorbs instantly and has a light citrus scent.

Free from petrochemicals, SLS, parabens, PEGS, mineral oils. It's hypoallergenic and certified Leaping Bunny and with the Vegan Society. EcoCert and Fair Trade ingredients are used and the oil is UK made. Clinically proven to help stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dehydrated skin.

Sunday, 17 June 2018

June's Love Lula Beauty Box* is absolutely fantastic! It's worth £67 this month and includes a new brand to Love Lula and a new product in the Walden Perfumes range.

So what's inside: the first thing to jump out at me was Walden Perfume's latest launch See the Moonlight Rollerball Natural Perfume Oil (10ml which is worth £17). Its a stunning blend of bergamot, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and ambrette seed. It was inspired by the Henry David Thoreau quote "I did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, for there I could best see the moonlight amidst the mountains". See my review of Two Eternities* HERE.

New brand at Love Lula is L’ODAÏTÈS and inside is a full size product worth £39. Gentle Polyphenol Exfoliator (60ml) is made with dates and other skin loving ingredients. It's best applied to a cleansed face. Leave on a few moments before gently massaging and rinsing. Looking forward to testing this out.

Saturday, 16 June 2018

And yes....the blogger made me buy (pick) it. Sasha, at Balanced Beauty Bristol raved about thisAntipodescleanser* recently and I knew I had to try it and I'm so, so glad I did! It takes cleansing to a whole new level - a ritual to be enjoyed at sunrise and sunset.

The Antipodes Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Organic Cleanser* (£21.99 - 200ml) is housed in a recyclable glass bottle with pump and will remove impurities, daily grime and make up with ease. The scent of the cleanser is really beautiful - uplifting and zesty with spicy earthy notes.

Organic Avocado oil gently cleanses while Carrot Seed oil and promotes skin which glows with health and Jojoba oil protects and conditions. The cleanser really takes caring for your skin to another level. The rich cream absorbs quickly making it easy to massage onto the face and neck.

To use: apply a small amount to the skin, massaging it in (including the eye area) before rinsing or removing any excess with a warmed, damp muslin cloth. The skin is left feeling comfortable, clean and nourished and I absolutely love it!

Use code BRIGHT for 25% off anything from the Skin Brightening range until 30 June 2018 (see the Skin Brightening rangeHERE)

Friday, 15 June 2018

Thank youLetterbox Gifts for the lovely treat! I blogged about Letterbox Gifts way back in December 2015 when I quickly snapped up a box. See my review HERE. I also couldn't resist The Christmas Box that same month see HERE. In January 2017 The Pamper Gift Set also became mine see HERE. I've also gifted lots of boxes over the years.

The packaging has become slightly more streamlined (and is still recyclable) as well as being letterbox friendly and the contents as gorgeous as ever. See what's currently available in the shop HERE.

This time I chose The Rose Box* which contains a beautiful selection of rose scented treats all of which are handmade in Britain. Oh it makes my heart sing! Look how beautiful it is.

About Me

Hi I'm Sandra and love beauty!
I will mainly be blogging about beauty but also other things which interest me. All reviews are my own thoughts and if I get given a product to test or review I will indicate this on the post with * You can contact me at: beautybalm1@virginmedia.com

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